Obituary of David Putnam Rein
Thank you to the endless friends of David Putnam Rein (1935-2020) whose messages of condolence to his extended family warm and enlighten our hearts. Your personal vignettes of connections with David have added to our "Scrapbook of Memories" of his exceptional life, which touched us all.
-The Rein / Corretore Family
David Putnam Rein, of Webster NY, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020, at the age of 84, following an extended illness.
David was born August 11, 1935, in Rochester, NY, to the Rev. Dr. John D. and Laura Putnam Rein, who predecease him. He graduated from Webster High School, Salutatorian of the Class of 1952, at age 16. In 1956, he graduated from Drew University with a B.A. in classics and psychology. He then earned two M.A.’s, one in classics from Brown University (1957) and a second in TESL methods, English, and linguistics from the University of Michigan (1968).
David’s teaching career began at West Morris High School, NJ. In subsequent years he taught at the University of Liberia on a one-year Fulbright-Hays grant; at Bucknell University’s Institute for Foreign Students, PA; at Bloomsburg State College, PA; at the School for International Training of The Experiment in International Living, Brattleboro, VT; and at the Greater Hartford Community College, CT. He taught students from more than 50 countries, mostly students bound for US colleges & universities, including undergraduate and professional schools.
Woven throughout David’s teaching career was free-lance writing and editing of ESL (English as a Second Language) & EFP (English for Professionals) materials, including the East West and Main Street series for Oxford University Press and Spectrum for Regents Publishing Company. These pioneering textbooks are used worldwide as tools for international teaching of ESL.
David’s eclectic career spanned 40 years of teaching, writing, training, and mentoring. He was the consummate life-long learner, champion of the English language, accomplished classical pianist, and international traveler. David lived a fulfilling life with national and international connections. He could have traveled anywhere and looked up someone he knew. He enjoyed life-long friendships with classmates, fellow teachers, and students. His influence through his students will continue to spread for years to come.
After retiring in Brattleboro in 1998, David returned to his Webster roots and quickly became an active member of the Cherry Ridge Community in 2007. He wrote resident profiles for the monthly newsletter and organized & accompanied sing-alongs of popular music. His family is grateful for the home he found at Cherry Ridge and the kind care extended to him by the staff there and at the Leo Center for Caring at St. Ann’s Home.
Loved and admired by family and friends, David leaves behind his devoted sister and brother (in-law), Carolyn & Daniel Corretore Jr.; his compassionately attentive nephews & nieces, Rev. Daniel Corretore III, David (Kelly) Corretore, Janet (Daniel) Vespone, Sharon (Jeffrey) Scott, Laurie (Jeffrey) Kroon; many great-nephews & nieces, great-grand-nephews & nieces, and cousins (including those in Germany). David was predeceased by great-nephews Robert, Daniel and Matthew.
Found among David’s writings… “I feel that relationships are bound by neither time nor space; and I cherish opportunities to see people discover the common bonds of humanity, and to personally bring people of different cultures together to live in harmony with one another.”
Graveside service is at Webster Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family. For those wishing, memorial gifts may be sent to a charity of your choice or to the “Harmony Scholarship for International Students/Study” at Drew University, Office of Advancement, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ 07940 (drew.edu/giving).
